Extreme Weather is 2024's Top Supply Chain Risk: EverStream​
Extreme weather events are the top risk facing supply chains in 2024, according to an annual outlook report from Everstream Analytics. The firm attached a risk score of 100% to the possibility of extreme weather causing supply chain disruption. That assessment follows a year where weather caused havoc for supply chains, from crop failures to slowdowns on major shipping channels. Among other examples, heavy rains and flooding in California, Nevada and Utah in spring of 2023 caused a 20% to 30% decrease in shipments in areas where transportation systems were disrupted, according to Everstream’s analysis. To manage weather risks, Everstream recommends firms monitor routes for disruption and look to predictive weather forecasts and alerts.  Extreme weather also factors into Everstream’s Number 5 supply chain risk in 2024: the potential for shortages of food commodities. Most at risk are sugar, rubber and fuel crops. In various ways, sourcing from China was a factor throughout Everstream’s entire risk list for the previous year. In this year’s report, Everstream pointed to the skyrocketing number of firms banned by China starting in 2017, which is continuing to ascend in 2023. The analytics firm also pointed to the continued outsized role China plays in the sourcing base for companies, including Apple. Learn more on supplychaindive.com.

Supply Chain Predictions 2024: AI, Sustainability Top of Mind
Since the start of the decade, supply chains have become a strategic pillar for many global businesses and industries. Over the past three years, the risks and shortfalls in our global supply chains have been brought to the forefront across all industries. Supply chains are now recognized as central to business survival, success, and growth, rather than an opportunity to just reduce costs. Companies have, and will continue to revisit, risk-mitigation strategies. 2024 is the year a constant flow of regulations around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) will be coming into effect. Employees, stakeholders, customers and regulatory bodies are demanding sustainability data, and decision-makers must understand how the supply chain performs, which suppliers and logistics providers contribute to a greener business model, and what changes can impact the rest of the business. Suppliers that cannot meet ESG regulations, will see business dwindling as customers look for more sustainable alternatives. The future will bring a greater focus on companies using Internet of Things (IOT), AI and other technologies within their factories, across the supply chain of smart assets, and into the hands of consumers and customers leveraging the smart products and devices it enables. Technology will also help alleviate worker shortages and improve retention by improving the retention, productivity and decision making of existing employees, and attracting new talent with state-of-the-art tools. And as the degree of automation increases, it frees up the workforce from repetitive tasks, and allows them to focus on more complex problems and decisions that require human interactions. One thing is certain. Supply chains play a vital role in a business’s strategy both today and moving forward. Learn more on forbes.com.

New ASPR COVID-19 At-Home Testing Digital Toolkit
The ASPR COVID-19 At-Home Testing Digital Toolkit contains messages you can share in newsletters or on social media channels to encourage people to order free tests. Copy these words directly or customize them to reach your audience. Then, choose and download the image(s) from the Toolkit library you would like to share. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home tests. To order your tests, visit COVIDTests.gov. People without internet access or who need help ordering tests can call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). If you did not order tests this fall, you may place two orders for a total of 8 tests. Please share with HCC partners. 

From the National Pediatric Disaster Coalition: Supply Chain Disruptions: Impacts on Vulnerable Communities
​The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine hosted a workshop, on September 12, 2023, focused on understanding the impacts of supply chain disruptions on vulnerable communities (i.e., groups that face greater risk and impact from supply chain disruptions due to pre-existing socioeconomic disadvantages, geographic isolation, inadequate infrastructure, and health challenges, including but not limited to low-income neighborhoods, remote rural communities, elderly populations, communities of color, people wit​h disabilities, and coastal regions) and the human and social impacts.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Impacts on Vulnerable Communities Workshop Recording

Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-⁠19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Please contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or  ICATT location  near you to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-⁠19 tests provided by the federal government. Learn more on covid.gov. ​